Saturday, October 20, 2012

A simple eraser stamp replacement

I've been playing around preparing to stamp some of these pages I've made for small journals. I hunted high and low for my diamond stamp I made out of an eraser.  I KNOW I made it, because I show it in this post I created for an Inspiration Avenue challenge (it seems houses have become a signature theme for me).


For this one, instead of doing the ridiculous math I did the last time, I just found the four center lines and marked them.  Then I cut the simple diamond shape.  Please note at one time I had carving tools, but I have never found them since my basement studio was rebuilt and I unpacked all the boxes.  So just like before, I cut the eraser with my favorite (and only sharp) knife.


HMM!  Maybe i should have used math.  When I inked the stamp, it was immediately obvious I had cut it wrong.


Yep, a stamping proved how far off I had gotten this diamond.


With a bit of rework (you can see how little I removed), it was better than before.  At least the reworked one doesn't look quite as wonky.  And before you ask, I'm making these books for a couple of friends.  If I like how they turn out, I might even make more.  After all, Christmas will soon be upon us.

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10 thoughtful remarks:

elle said...

I've made a few simple stamps and really like it. I need to practice and make better ones. Lots of fun though!

Rebeca Trevino said...

E
love the diamond stamp. you make it look easy.
i gotta try this.

Anonymous said...

LOL, the first thing we see is a very sharp knife and no safety tips from you, the mistress of safety. Great, simple stamp for your brightly painted pages. xox

Halle said...

I've never carved any erasers. I've only made stamps from wine corks.

Julia Dunnit said...

Ah you see, you say simple and don't feel the necessity to tell me to avoid gouging flesh from my fingers.....but I haven't yet! I like the wonky diamond, but..I like the recovery too, very clever. Bet it looks gret I your mini books.

SandeeNC said...

Excellent job, making your own stamp! Love the journal pages too! You might become a stamper yet! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

Darla said...

Funny, that first cut looked like it was going to work perfectly. Anxious to see the new books when finished.

Darla

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I have never carved erasers to make stamps. They seem to give really good impressions. Always learning something new here! Thanks!

~*~Patty S said...

OK I don't feel so bad not being able to find my carving tools if a neatnik like you has misplaced hers too :)

I like hand carved stamps partly because of their less than perfect outcome...your diamond looks great both ways!

You make me want to carve something
Happy Weekend E!
oxo

Priti Lisa said...

Hi Elizabeth. I remember last year the trouble I was having making a harlequin print...those diamonds are impossible to repeat, because the math doesn't make any sense. You recommended making a stamp and can you believe I still have forgotten to buy those erasers every time I am out. Thanks for re-reminding me.
Hope all is well with you and Bleu♥